Answer: It may be a "bluff" as sometimes firms do not know how to tell you - a candidate - that you are not going to get an offer. In an effort to "soften" the blow, firms sometimes revert to clichés like you were in the "top 3". Another easy out for a firm is to tell you that while they liked you a great deal and thought your experience was excellent, you are simply not a "good fit" for the position. Sometimes the foregoing are true, i.e., you were in the top 3 or the firm really did like you and was impressed by your experience, but felt that overall you - maybe your personality or skill set - did not match perfectly with the group or current needs of the firm. We cannot learn anything from the clichés and bluffs so let's assume that you truly were in the "top 3" and try to determine how to set yourself apart from the other two contenders in future interviews.
Do your research! I have been a recruiter for ten years and I have noticed that in the last two to three years the thing that really distinguishes candidates is their ability to clearly state what interests them in a particular firm. Thoroughly researching a firm and being able to discuss - in detail - why you are interested can have a huge impact upon whether you are asked for a callback and/or receive an offer. It used to be enough to say that you wish to work in a "smaller setting" where you will get more "hands on" experience; or conversely, that you wish to work in a "larger setting" where you will gain exposure to more "sophisticated transactions". These answers do not make the grade in this market and are viewed as meaningless.
Firms want to know precisely why you want to work in their office; and you need to be able to communicate your interest clearly and succinctly. Be very familiar with the position description. If the firm is trying to fill a general corporate position, then reference - with specific facts - the firm's broad practice and how your experience dovetails with their generalist approach and current needs. If, on the other hand, the firm is conducting a very narrow search geared toward equipment financing, then you had better be able to either discuss your expertise in this area, or how your experience transfers easily to the specialized practice at issue.
- See Top Ten Interview Questions for more information
Be enthusiastic! Evincing keen interest and excitement about a position and firm can work wonders in the interview process. I recently had a firm tell me that they had been very excited about a candidate in terms of his background and experience, but that when they met the candidate, he was so "low energy" that they simply could not envision him as an employee. It is extremely important to be energetic. If you are not showing a great deal of passion during the interview, then it is natural for a firm to wonder how you will behave once you have secured the position!
Learn why attorneys usually fail law firm phone-screening interviews in this article:
About Harrison Barnes
Harrison Barnes is a prominent figure in the legal placement industry, known for his expertise in attorney placements and his extensive knowledge of the legal profession.
With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in the field and has helped thousands of lawyers and law students find their ideal career paths.
Barnes is a former federal law clerk and associate at Quinn Emanuel and a graduate of the University of Chicago College and the University of Virginia Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist at the University of Chicago and a member of the University of Virginia Law Review. Early in his legal career, he enrolled in Stanford Business School but dropped out because he missed legal recruiting too much.
Barnes' approach to the legal industry is rooted in his commitment to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. He believes that the key to success in the legal profession is to be proactive, persistent, and disciplined in one's approach to work and life. He encourages lawyers to take ownership of their careers and to focus on developing their skills and expertise in a way that aligns with their passions and interests.
One of how Barnes provides support to lawyers is through his writing. On his blog, HarrisonBarnes.com, and BCGSearch.com, he regularly shares his insights and advice on a range of topics related to the legal profession. Through his writing, he aims to empower lawyers to control their careers and make informed decisions about their professional development.
One of Barnes's fundamental philosophies in his writing is the importance of networking. He believes that networking is a critical component of career success and that it is essential for lawyers to establish relationships with others in their field. He encourages lawyers to attend events, join organizations, and connect with others in the legal community to build their professional networks.
Another central theme in Barnes' writing is the importance of personal and professional development. He believes that lawyers should continuously strive to improve themselves and develop their skills to succeed in their careers. He encourages lawyers to pursue ongoing education and training actively, read widely, and seek new opportunities for growth and development.
In addition to his work in the legal industry, Barnes is also a fitness and lifestyle enthusiast. He sees fitness and wellness as integral to his personal and professional development and encourages others to adopt a similar mindset. He starts his day at 4:00 am and dedicates several daily hours to running, weightlifting, and pursuing spiritual disciplines.
Finally, Barnes is a strong advocate for community service and giving back. He volunteers for the University of Chicago, where he is the former area chair of Los Angeles for the University of Chicago Admissions Office. He also serves as the President of the Young Presidents Organization's Century City Los Angeles Chapter, where he works to support and connect young business leaders.
In conclusion, Harrison Barnes is a visionary legal industry leader committed to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. Through his work at BCG Attorney Search, writing, and community involvement, he empowers lawyers to take control of their careers, develop their skills continuously, and lead fulfilling and successful lives. His philosophy of being proactive, persistent, and disciplined, combined with his focus on personal and professional development, makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the legal profession.
About BCG Attorney Search
BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.
Harrison Barnes does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for attorneys and law students each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can attend anonymously and ask questions about your career, this article, or any other legal career-related topics. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom
Harrison also does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for law firms, companies, and others who hire attorneys each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom
You can browse a list of past webinars here: Webinar Replays
You can also listen to Harrison Barnes Podcasts here: Attorney Career Advice Podcasts
You can also read Harrison Barnes' articles and books here: Harrison's Perspectives
Harrison Barnes is the legal profession's mentor and may be the only person in your legal career who will tell you why you are not reaching your full potential and what you really need to do to grow as an attorney--regardless of how much it hurts. If you prefer truth to stagnation, growth to comfort, and actionable ideas instead of fluffy concepts, you and Harrison will get along just fine. If, however, you want to stay where you are, talk about your past successes, and feel comfortable, Harrison is not for you.
Truly great mentors are like parents, doctors, therapists, spiritual figures, and others because in order to help you they need to expose you to pain and expose your weaknesses. But suppose you act on the advice and pain created by a mentor. In that case, you will become better: a better attorney, better employees, a better boss, know where you are going, and appreciate where you have been--you will hopefully also become a happier and better person. As you learn from Harrison, he hopes he will become your mentor.
To read more career and life advice articles visit Harrison's personal blog.
